Delta

Bird Watching

Bald Eagles in a tree

Located on the Pacific Flyway, Delta is an important stopping point for more than five million migratory birds annually.

Boundary Bay

As a major preserve for migratory birds, Boundary Bay encompasses the Fraser River Estuary and the Georgia Strait-Puget Sound where ecosystems support more than 333 species of birds, some rare and endangered. It is a hub of ornithological activity, particularly in May and June and its ecology is under a co-operative stewardship between Blaine, Surrey and White Rock.

Eagles, Hawks & Owls

The dykes, particularly along Boundary Bay at the foot of 64th and 72nd streets are great places to view eagles, hawks and owls.

Delta Nature Reserve

Raptors also nest in the Delta Nature Reserve at Burns Bog, along with some 150 bird species; a large rookery in Tsawwassen means that blue herons are numerous along Delta's shoreline; and come November, the arrival of thousands of Wrangel Island snow geese in November is always cause for celebration.

Point Roberts, too, is a hot spot for seabirds. Look for Heerman's Gulls, Common Mure and Rhinoceros Auklet through the winter as well as Ancient Murrelet.

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Located 10km/6mi west of Ladner on Westham Island, this sanctuary comprises 343ha/850ac of managed habitat and estuarine marsh for many thousands of birds on the Pacific Flyover. They rest, feed and even spend the whole winter in the protected environment.

Bird Hides & Observation Tower

In all, over 268 species of bird have been sighted here from the plentiful Canada Goose to the uncommon Black-crowned Night Heron and Gyrfalcon. Serious bird watchers will appreciate the 10m/32ft high observation tower as well as several small huts along the trails with slat-like windows for watching the sanctuary's winged wildlife as unobtrusively as possible.

Feeding the hoards of ducks is a favourite pastime for children; bird feed costs pennies a packet.

OWL

Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL) is a volunteer-driven society dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Located near Boundary Bay Airport, OWL conducts guided public tours at the weekend year round and daily tours in July and August.

Note that tours show only the permanent birds, not the care center where injured birds are tended. Hours vary but tend to be 10am-3pm. Call ahead to double check.

For more information about bird watching in Delta, drop by the Visitor Centre at 6201 - 60th Avenue.

Join Our Email List

Enter your email address below to receive seasonal travel information from Destination British Columbia including trip ideas, great places to go and fun things to do on vacation in BC.

You may also wish to receive (check all that apply):

Travel DealsSki Deals

We value your privacy and never share your information, and you may withdraw your consent and unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy for details on the storage of personal information outside of Canada.